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Tag: Catherine Zeta Jones

  • Catherine Zeta-Jones regrets not playing James Bond

    By Express News Service

    Actor Catherine Zeta-Jones reveals that her biggest regret in her acting career is not getting to play the female James Bond. The Oscar-winner claimed that the former 007 star, Sean Connery backed her as a replacement for him as the spy after they became close during the filming of the 1999 crime caper Entrapment together, reports aceshowbiz.com.

    “I would have loved to have played Bond. I had such a wonderful relationship with Sean Connery—we did a movie called Entrapment years ago – and he was like my elder brother, my dad, my support,” she told The Sun on Sunday.

    “I really loved him. I am a Bond fanatic and he said to me once, ‘You would have made a great Bond, girl’. I asked, ‘A Bond girl or Bond?’ He went, ‘Bond – girl.’ I said, ‘Oh my gosh, I would have loved to have played Bond!’ But I think that time has passed.”

    Despite recent calls for the first female Bond, the film franchise’s producer Barbara Broccoli has insisted the role will remain played by a man. Catherine was recently seen as Morticia in the new Netflix TV series Wednesday. Speaking about the show, she said, “It was a real treat because it’s an iconic show and characters like Fester and Morticia are indelible, they’re in our subconscious.”

    Actor Catherine Zeta-Jones reveals that her biggest regret in her acting career is not getting to play the female James Bond. The Oscar-winner claimed that the former 007 star, Sean Connery backed her as a replacement for him as the spy after they became close during the filming of the 1999 crime caper Entrapment together, reports aceshowbiz.com.

    “I would have loved to have played Bond. I had such a wonderful relationship with Sean Connery—we did a movie called Entrapment years ago – and he was like my elder brother, my dad, my support,” she told The Sun on Sunday.

    “I really loved him. I am a Bond fanatic and he said to me once, ‘You would have made a great Bond, girl’. I asked, ‘A Bond girl or Bond?’ He went, ‘Bond – girl.’ I said, ‘Oh my gosh, I would have loved to have played Bond!’ But I think that time has passed.”

    Despite recent calls for the first female Bond, the film franchise’s producer Barbara Broccoli has insisted the role will remain played by a man. Catherine was recently seen as Morticia in the new Netflix TV series Wednesday. Speaking about the show, she said, “It was a real treat because it’s an iconic show and characters like Fester and Morticia are indelible, they’re in our subconscious.”

  • ‘Morticia is an Iconic Matriarch’: Catherine Zeta-Jones on her next ‘Wednesday’

    Express News Service

    What made you want to take on a role like Morticia Addams?

    I just loved the fact that she is this iconic matriarch whose image is such a big part of pop culture. My grandmother knows what Morticia Addams looks like as does my six-year-old niece. Playing such a strong woman in this interesting and modern family was a joy.

    Were you a fan of ‘The Addams family’ before you signed up for Wednesday?

    I was. I love the original and how it has always celebrated acceptance, despite all its craziness and spookiness. It’s all in good fun, and to be part of this version by Tim Burton was a complete joy.

    How did you react when you got the call from Burton to work on the project?

    I was like, ‘Well, I don’t need to read the script. When do I start?’ He was a joy to work with. I hope I get more opportunities with him because he’s a genius.

    You have described your version of Morticia as being more rooted in reality than before. What do you mean by that?

    Just the fact that this particular version of the story is set in modern-day reality makes it cool as well as funny. It’s actually weirdly close to the original Addams Family with all of their warts-and-all, foibles and madness, but here everything works out because Gomez and Morticia love each other so very much. In that way, I think it’s a very contemporary family.

    How did you enjoy working with Luis Guzman as Gomez to your Morticia?

    He’s such a talented actor and we had so much fun together playing this special couple, who really do share a beautiful relationship.

    Christina Ricci returns as a new character having played Wednesday in The Addams Family movies. How was it having her be part of this?

    Christina’s comeback really helped ignite us in this new story. And then to work with Jenna Ortega as our Wednesday Addams was just so special and something that will stay with me forever. Watching her work, her commitment to her craft and seeing the beautiful young woman behind that was a real joy for me.

    How do you feel about your children following you and Michael Douglas as actors?

    Well, the journey I have had as an actor has been extraordinary, so I can only encourage them (son and daughter) to do what they love. They are both extremely bright. That said, Michael and I would probably be the first parents to say, ‘Maybe, you should think of another career’. Michael is the son of Kirk Douglas and his mother was an actress as well.

    I never knew what that meant, but his experience was how it’s a hard act to follow when your dad is Spartacus! One would think that having parents in the same business would open doors, but in fact, one has to really prove themselves because it is hard to be compared. But our kids are still not deterred, so I presume it’s on the cards. I am excited to see whatever journey they happen to go on.

    Do you think television is where the best opportunities are these days?

    I was brought up on television. I had one cinema in my hometown and if it was a successful film, they played it for six months. So the small screen was where I learned about movies, but London and the stage were where I wanted to be. I never thought about television, just like I never thought about movies. That was something they did in America. I think TV has always been good. It’s just that now there are so many more platforms and outlets for actors, writers and directors to showcase their craft.

     Do you have any plans to write or maybe direct your own projects one day?

    I have actually tried hard to write, but it’s probably one of the most frustrating and loneliest things I have ever attempted in my life. Directing is something I would like to try at some point, just not right now.

    It’s been 22 years of marriage for you and Michael. How are you celebrating?

    Well, we’re both working right now, so we actually celebrated it on our birthday, which we share. But it’s been wonderful.    

    What made you want to take on a role like Morticia Addams?

    I just loved the fact that she is this iconic matriarch whose image is such a big part of pop culture. My grandmother knows what Morticia Addams looks like as does my six-year-old niece. Playing such a strong woman in this interesting and modern family was a joy.

    Were you a fan of ‘The Addams family’ before you signed up for Wednesday?

    I was. I love the original and how it has always celebrated acceptance, despite all its craziness and spookiness. It’s all in good fun, and to be part of this version by Tim Burton was a complete joy.

    How did you react when you got the call from Burton to work on the project?

    I was like, ‘Well, I don’t need to read the script. When do I start?’ He was a joy to work with. I hope I get more opportunities with him because he’s a genius.

    You have described your version of Morticia as being more rooted in reality than before. What do you mean by that?

    Just the fact that this particular version of the story is set in modern-day reality makes it cool as well as funny. It’s actually weirdly close to the original Addams Family with all of their warts-and-all, foibles and madness, but here everything works out because Gomez and Morticia love each other so very much. In that way, I think it’s a very contemporary family.

    How did you enjoy working with Luis Guzman as Gomez to your Morticia?

    He’s such a talented actor and we had so much fun together playing this special couple, who really do share a beautiful relationship.

    Christina Ricci returns as a new character having played Wednesday in The Addams Family movies. How was it having her be part of this?

    Christina’s comeback really helped ignite us in this new story. And then to work with Jenna Ortega as our Wednesday Addams was just so special and something that will stay with me forever. Watching her work, her commitment to her craft and seeing the beautiful young woman behind that was a real joy for me.

    How do you feel about your children following you and Michael Douglas as actors?

    Well, the journey I have had as an actor has been extraordinary, so I can only encourage them (son and daughter) to do what they love. They are both extremely bright. That said, Michael and I would probably be the first parents to say, ‘Maybe, you should think of another career’. Michael is the son of Kirk Douglas and his mother was an actress as well.

    I never knew what that meant, but his experience was how it’s a hard act to follow when your dad is Spartacus! One would think that having parents in the same business would open doors, but in fact, one has to really prove themselves because it is hard to be compared. But our kids are still not deterred, so I presume it’s on the cards. I am excited to see whatever journey they happen to go on.

    Do you think television is where the best opportunities are these days?

    I was brought up on television. I had one cinema in my hometown and if it was a successful film, they played it for six months. So the small screen was where I learned about movies, but London and the stage were where I wanted to be. I never thought about television, just like I never thought about movies. That was something they did in America. I think TV has always been good. It’s just that now there are so many more platforms and outlets for actors, writers and directors to showcase their craft.

     Do you have any plans to write or maybe direct your own projects one day?

    I have actually tried hard to write, but it’s probably one of the most frustrating and loneliest things I have ever attempted in my life. Directing is something I would like to try at some point, just not right now.

    It’s been 22 years of marriage for you and Michael. How are you celebrating?

    Well, we’re both working right now, so we actually celebrated it on our birthday, which we share. But it’s been wonderful.    

  • Disney+’s National Treasure  adds Catherine Zeta-Jones

    By Express News Service

    Catherine Zeta-Jones has been cast in the Disney+ series National Treasure and she will be joining Lisette Alexis, Zuri Reed, Jordan Rodrigues, Antonio Cipriano, Jake Austin Walker, and Lyndon Smith. The show will be a continuation of the film franchise of the same name according to reports on variety.com.

    National Treasure, the series will focus on a young woman, Jess (Alexis), who is a brilliant and resourceful dreamer. She embarks on this adventure of a lifetime to uncover the truth about her family’s past and save a lost Pan-American treasure. Production is set to begin in February in Baton Rouge, LA.

    The character that Zeta-Jones will portray is Billie, who is described as a billionaire, black-market antiquities expert, and treasure hunter. She has come a long way—from a penniless orphan to a shrewd, stylish businesswoman and adventurer. Billie’s used to getting what she wants—and she wants the Pan-American treasure.

    Rick Muirragui is the writer and also executive producer of the series. Jerry Bruckheimer, Cormac and Marianne Wibberley, Jonathan Littman, and KristieAnne Reed will also serve as executive producers.

  • Looking forward to play Morticia Addams in ‘Wednesday’ series, says Hollywood star Catherine Zeta-Jones

    By PTI

    LOS ANGELES: Hollywood star Catherine Zeta-Jones has revealed that she will soon start shooting for acclaimed filmmaker Tim Burton’s Addams Family spin-off series “Wednesday” in Romania.

    In the Netflix live-action series, which marks Burton’s TV directing debut, Zeta-Jones will be essaying the role of Wednesday Addams’ mother Morticia Addams.

    Jenna Ortega will star as the titular character.

    The actor said she is excited about playing the iconic character and collaborating with the “Beetlejuice” director as well as actor Luis Guzman, who will appear as Addams Family patriarch Gomez.

    “I’m just about to start shooting in Romania. I’m so excited to be working with the great Tim Burton, and the makeup and costume designer who I’ve worked with before, and with Luis Guzman, playing Gomez, who I worked with on “Traffic”.

    “It’s going to be a really great camaraderie. I’m really looking forward to it,” Zeta-Jones told Entertainment Tonight at the Emmy Awards.

    “Smallville” creators Al Gough and Miles Millar have penned “Wednesday”.

    The show will follow Wednesday Addams’ years as a student at Nevermore Academy, where she attempts to master her emerging psychic ability.

    She is also trying to foil a monstrous killing spree that has terrorised the local town, and solve the supernatural mystery that embroiled her parents — Gomez and Morticia — 25 years ago as she navigates new, complex relationships.

  • Catherine Zeta-Jones to play Morticia Addams in ‘Wednesday’ series 

    By PTI

    LOS ANGELES: Hollywood star Catherine Zeta-Jones has been tapped to play the role of Morticia Addams, the matriarch of the Addams Family, in the Netflix series “Wednesday”.

    The show marks the small screen directorial debut for Tim Burton, known for “Beetlejuice”, “Edward Scissorhands”, and “Alice in Wonderland”.

    Zeta-Jones joins Luis Guzman who will appear as Gomez Addams and Jenna Ortega, who takes on the titular character.

    According to The Hollywood Reporter, “Wednesday” is described as a coming-of-age comedy, written by “Smallville” creators Al Gough and Miles Millar.

    The series is a sleuthing, supernaturally infused mystery charting Wednesday Addams’ (Ortega) years as a student at Nevermore Academy.

    That’s where she attempts to master her emerging psychic ability, thwart a monstrous killing spree that has terrorized the local town, and solve the supernatural mystery that embroiled her parents 25 years ago — all while navigating her new and very tangled relationships.

    Actors who have previously played Morticia Addams include the likes of Anjelica Huston, Charlize Theron, Daryl Hannah and Carolyn Jones.

    Besides direction, Burton also executive produces with Gough and Millar, who will serve as showrunners on the series.

    TV writer-producer Kayla Alpert, former MGM TV President Steve Stark, as well as several producers associated with “The Addams Family” IP: Andrew Mittman for 1.21, Kevin Miserocchi, Jonathan Glickman for Glickmania and Gail Berman.

    “Wednesday” is produced by MGM Television, which controls the underlying rights to the IP.

  • Catherine Zeta-Jones remembers her Oscar performance

    By ANI
    WASHINGTON: Welsh actor Catherine Zeta-Jones recently expressed her views about the 93rd Academy Awards, which is being held virtually amid the pandemic. Despite the quarantine and scaled-back festivities, the actor thinks the 2021’s broadcast will be ‘a milestone’.

    According to Variety, the 51-year-old multi-nominated actor has not only taken home the Oscar gold but performed for millions on the Dolby stage, twice… once while pregnant. The actor relived her previous Oscar performance in an interview with the outlet and said, “I was pregnant but not just oh you can barely notice. I had my child ten days after the Oscars.”

    Singing the original song penned for the 2003 best picture winner ‘Chicago’ with castmate Queen Latifah, Zeta-Jones had one thought while rising out of the trap door and preparing to sing, “Why am I singing for a billion people right now?”

    The actor quipped so that she should have been lounging and eating chocolate it’s a good thing she appeared because she also took home the Academy Award for supporting actress for her portrayal of death row dynamo, Velma Kelly.

    Ahead of this year’s Academy Awards, Zeta-Jones talked about her performances throughout the years at the Oscars and what the annual Hollywood tradition means to her and her family.

    The ‘Chicago’ star looked back at that 2003 duet with nostalgia and bewilderment.

    Ten years later, she would reprise her iconic Kelly again for a celebratory performance of the musical’s iconic hit ‘All That Jazz,’ which has become a sort of theme song for her.

    When asked if she hesitant to revive the jazz hands so many years later?

    ‘The Mask of Zorro’ star said, “Of course I was nervous. I’m nervous walking down the red carpet at the Oscars let alone getting up on stage and doing a number ten years later when I haven’t touched my toes or put on my dancing shoes and had a baby again!”

    Zeta-Jones shared that the Oscars is more than just an awards show; it’s a meaningful Hollywood tradition for her.

    “I love the history of it all. I love the fact that we can sit back and applaud our peers and acknowledge the work done that year across the board costumes, acting, cinematography. Our industry, it takes a village,” she told Variety.

    Zeta-Jones also said that she never makes dinner plans on the night of the Academy Awards.

    “It never gets old for me to tune in in my pyjamas and watch it with my popcorn and make my predictions on who’s gonna win. And it never gets old for me to walk down a red carpet,” she said.

    In an unprecedented year, the actor stressed the importance of the escapism that Hollywood has provided throughout the pandemic.

    “When those lights go down, we can be taken into another world,” shared the actor. 

  • Was lovely having my family home amid COVID pandemic: Catherine Zeta-Jones

    By IANS
    LOS ANGELES: Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones found it lovely to have her family at home amid the COVID-19 pandemic, because she found it comforting to be with her closed ones.

    She said: “I must say, personally, it was lovely when we were in a vulnerable and unknowing time to have my peeps, my loved ones around. I had my son home from college and my daughter home from school — she goes to school in Switzerland — so we were all back in our bubble.”

    “Supposedly, speaking to my son, we fared better than many families. He’s like, ‘Mom, you don’t understand. People aren’t talking to each other.’ So, we played lots of games,” Zeta-Jones added, femalefirst.co.uk reported.

    The actress is married to Hollywood star Michael Douglas and they have two children — 20-year-old Dylan and Carys,18.

    The 51-year-old actress also praised her children for how they handled the global health crisis, on the “Late Night with Seth Meyers”.

    She added: “My kids — and I must say, kudos to them — I thought for sure, you know, they’re all back, not just them, but all their other friends from high school, [who] all live down our street … And I thought it was going to be party central, all these kids coming back from college.”

    Now the things are starting to improve following the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccination, Zeta-Jones said her kids are “looking forward” to being able to spend the summer with their friends.